The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly filed cybercrime charges against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for referring to him as an “Illegal IG” on social media.
According to InfoStride News, Sowore was invited by the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for questioning at their office located at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, on Monday.
Although the activist was granted bail after the interrogation, he opted to remain in custody, citing what he described as “illegal conditions” attached to his release.
Sowore is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
The charges against him focus exclusively on cybercrime, specifically related to his use of the nickname “Illegal IG” for Egbetokun.
This deviates from the allegations outlined in the initial invitation letter sent to Sowore last week.
The letter had stated that Sowore was being investigated for a range of offenses, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist a public servant, and cyberstalking.
However, court documents obtained on Tuesday show that the three charges filed against Sowore are all centered on his social media posts referring to the police chief as “Illegal IG.”
This case highlights ongoing tensions between Nigerian authorities and activists, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the use of cybercrime laws to address criticism of public officials.
As the trial begins, it is expected to draw significant attention both locally and internationally.
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